The police command in Rivers has rescued an abducted victim and recovered a cache of ammunition after raiding a kidnappers’ camp in Ndoki Waterside, Port Harcourt.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday that police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper during the raid.

She said the camp was operated by a five-man kidnap syndicate specialising in kidnapping and demanding huge ransoms from high-profile residents in Rivers.

“Police operatives attached to the C41 intelligence unit raided the kidnappers’ hideout on Saturday at about 3:00 a.m. following intelligence reports of their activities at Ndoki Waterside area in Port Harcourt.

“Immediately our police team arrived at the kidnappers’ hideout, a gun battle ensued and a key member of the five-man gang terrorising the state was neutralised.

“One suspected member of the kidnap syndicate was arrested at the scene while one kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt,” she said.

Ms Iringe-Koko said the police team recovered one AK-47 rifle with 26 rounds of live ammunition and a revolver with five rounds of live ammunition.

“Efforts are being made to round up all the other fleeing members of the kidnap syndicate with focus on prosecuting them in court,” she added.

In another related development, MsIringe-Koko said police operatives on February 9 at about 9:40 p.m., acting on intelligence, dislodged some kidnappers on the Okarki New Road in Port Harcourt.

She said although operatives could not arrest any fleeing kidnappers during the raid, they recovered several items after the kidnappers abandoned their vehicle.

“Items recovered include an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla car with registration number AGL 540 DV.

“Upon a search of the vehicle, we recovered two AK-47 assault rifles with three magazines, 25 rounds of live ammunition, a First Bank staff ID card, and UBA ATM cards.

“Others are two pieces of one USD note; one piece of €1,000 note; N2,800 and a small jack knife were recovered during the operation,” the command spokesperson said.

She urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and report any suspicious person or criminal activities to the police.

(NAN)